ven to Flanagan, we are bound to say that no
one living had ever received from himself any intimation of such an
intention. The whole story was fabricated by Nogher for the purpose of
getting Connor's consent to the vengeance which it had been determined
to execute upon his enemy. By a curious coincidence, however,the story,
though decidedly false so far as Nogher knew to the contrary, happened
to be literally and absolutely true. Flanagan, indeed, was too skilful
and secret, either to precipitate his own designs until the feeling of
the parties should abate and settle down, or to place himself at the
mercy of another person's honesty. He knew his own heart too well to
risk his life by such dangerous and unseasonable confidence. Some months
consequently passed away since. Connor's departure, when an event took
place, which gave him still greater security. This was nothing less than
the fulfilment by Fardorougha of that plan to which he looked forward
with such prospective satisfaction, Connor had not been a month gone
when his father commenced to dispose of his property, which he soon did,
having sold out his farm to good advantage. He then paid his rent, the
only debt he owed; and, having taken a passage to New South Wales for
himself and Honor, they departed with melancholy satisfaction to seek
that son without whose society they found their desolate hearth gloomier
than the cell of a prison.

This was followed, too, by another circumstance--but one apparently of
little importance--which was, the removal of Biddy Nulty to the Bodagh's
family, through the interference of Una, by whom she was treated with
singular affection, and admitted to her confidence.

Such was the position of the parties after, the lapse of five months
subsequent to the transportation of Connor. Flanagan had conducted
himself with great circumspection, and, so far as public observation
could go, with much propriety. There was no change whatsoever
perceptible, either in his dress or manner except that alluded to by
Nogher of his altogether declining to taste any intoxicating liquor. In
truth, so well did he act his part, that the obloquy raised against him
at the period of Connor's trial was nearly, if not altogether, removed,
and many persons once more adopted an impression of his victim's guilt.

With respect to the Bodagh and his son, the anxiety which we have
described them as feeling in consequence of the latter's interview with
O'Donovan, w